When it comes to capturing the zeitgeist, there’s no greater festival than Sundance, which may explains why the festival arrives armed with plenty of firepower this year — literally.

Sundance has its finger on the pulse (or the trigger) of America with a handful of movies that examine gun violence, a hot-button topic topic. Katie Couric returns to Park City with her “Fed Up” collaborator Stephanie Soechtig for “Under the Gun,” a documentary that explores both side of the gun control debate. The film will feature never-before-seen footage of the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado, which also happens to be the subject of Tim Sutton’s narrative feature “Dark Night.”

Aurora isn’t the only national tragedy under the lens at Sundance, as Kim Snyder’s documentary “Newtown” looks at the Connecticut community that came together in the wake of a school shooting that left 27 innocent people dead.

The firearms frenzy isn’t restricted to feature-length films either, as AJ Schnack’s short documentary “Speaking Is Difficult” will also tackle the subject of gun violence.

Here are some other trends to look out for in Park City:

“The Girlfriend Experience”

The TV Takeover

Small-screen projects seem to be stealing the spotlight from many independent films over the next 10 days. There will be screenings for Steven Soderbergh‘s Starz series “The Girlfriend Experience,” Hulu’s “11/22/63” with James Franco, Amazon’s “The New Yorker Presents” and Netflix’s “Chelsea Does” starring Chelsea Handler, plus the female-driven web series “The Skinny” from Jessie Kahnweiler.

All of those titles hail from alternatives to the traditional broadcast networks, but how many potentially great indie movies will go unseen in favor of TV shows with guaranteed distribution? It’s a tricky conundrum, but television isn’t the only thing challenging the status quo at Sundance.

The big story prior to the festival has been how aggressive Netflix has been in acquiring movies. The streaming service shelled out $7 million for worldwide SVOD rights to “The Fundamentals of Caring” and $5 million for “Talulah,” both of which feature established stars in Paul Rudd and Ellen Page.

Those two deals do not include theatrical rights, though larger indie distributors with output deals are unlikely to pursue those titles, given that there’s one less revenue stream to exploit. Netflix seems to enjoy its role as a digital disrupter and will likely continue to make non-traditional Sundance acquisitions.

“The marketplace is crowded and can be complicated. With Netflix, you get the same promotional push and they make it feel like a film is as big as it should be. Even if it doesn’t do box office, it can change how will it be perceived,” one veteran sales agent said.

“Deals are still driven by Netflix’s agenda rather than a traditional theatrical play, but now we’re more realistic about what that means,” the agent said. “A Netflix deal will be a win for a particular kind of film, because they really do put their money where their mouths are.”

Several films enter Sundance with domestic distribution already in place, such as the Weinstein Company’s “Sing Street” and Bleecker Street’s “Captain Fantastic.”

Both those companies will likely be active on the sales front in Park City, though TWC remains a question mark. The company sat out last year’s festival and has allowed its Radius label to steal the Sundance spotlight in recent years, preferring to make its splashiest deals, like the ones for Matthew McConaughey‘s “Gold” and Michael Keaton‘s “The Founder,” outside of festivals.

That said, with Tom Quinn and Jason Janego departing Radius to start their own label with Drafthouse Films CEO Tim League, it’s possible that Harvey could go all-out for the right title. After all, it’s a lot cheaper to acquire a hit Sundance film than finance a three-hour, 70mm Tarantino movie.

Speaking of Quinn and Janego, insiders are torn over how active the former Radius execs will be with their new company. Some say they have their capital in place and are ready to wheel-and-deal, while others suggest the company is still getting its ducks in a row.

While STX Entertainment and Open Road Films will also be on the prowl again this year, one company that has seen its stock rise since last year’s festival is Broad Green Pictures.

Sundance founder Robert Redford and the filmmakers behind “A Walk in the Woods” took a risk last year with the nascent distributor, and when Broad Green decided to release the film wide, it wound up grossing $30 million, becoming one of last year’s biggest indie success stories.

“They’re beefing up and have really proved themselves,” said one veteran sales agent. “Buyers are maturing and there’s more of them every time we turn around, but there’s a little bit more clarity about what each one does now.”

One buyer that will not be attending Sundance this year is Relativity, which is not expected to have a major presence at the festival as it continues to emerge from bankruptcy. While some theorized that Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti would look to reinvigorate the company with a strategic Sundance acquisition, Relativity’s distribution pipeline is already backed up and sellers remain wary. A splashy statement buy out of Toronto once the company is back on its feet is more likely.

Each year at Sundance, acquisitions executives seek out the diamonds in the rough, the indie gems that can break out and become commercial and critical hits. Over the past decade, nine Best Picture nominees have launched in Park City, including “Brooklyn,” “Boyhood,” “Whiplash,” “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” “Winter’s Bone,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “Precious,” “Juno” and “Little Miss Sunshine.”

But every “best” list needs a 10th member, and it’s anyone’s guess as to which film will emerge from this year’s festival with the most awards buzz.

“Sundance can absolutely play a role in the initial genesis of things. There’s usually a movie or two each year whose initial drop in the ocean creates a ripple for 12 months,” one veteran sales agent told TheWrap.

This year, that movie could very well be Nate Parker’s feature directorial debut “Birth of a Nation,” which has buyers particularly excited.

Another title generating buzz is Richard Tanne’s “Southside With You,” a feature chronicling the romance between a young Barack Obama and future First Lady Michelle Robinson.

Those who have seen “Southside” say “its simplicity is powerful” and that the film depoliticizes and humanizes the Obamas, connecting us to their private relationship in a way that has the power to change how we see them in their current power roles.

Sundance has also given prime screening slots on Friday and Saturday to “Goat,” which boasts producer James Franco and co-writer David Gordon Green, as well as Antonio Campos’ “Christine,” starring Rebecca Hall as suicidal reporter Christine Chubbuck — the subject of a second Sundance movie, “Kate Plays Christine.”

“Christine” is expected to be Campos’ most accessible film to date, as one dealmaker told TheWrap that “it feels like there’s been a maturation process in his storytelling and filmmaking.”

Meanwhile, no less than Quentin Tarantino is rumored to have served as the adviser to “Swiss Army Man” filmmakers Dan Kwan and Dan Scheinert at the Sundance Screenwriting Lab. Up to this point, the directing duo is best known for their music videos, including DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s hit song “Turn Down for What.” The film was produced by Miranda Bailey, who returns to Sundance after hitting a home run last year with a Sony Pictures Classics deal for “Diary of a Teenage Girl.”

“Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall”

Dynamic Documentaries

While Sundance has birthed no shortage of wonderful narrative features, the festival may be even better at programming its documentary lineup. This year’s time-demanding experience is ESPN’s 7.5-hour special presentation of “O.J.: Made in America,” which will be shown in two parts on Friday afternoon at the Egyptian. That’s a major time commitment at any film festival, but the timing is fortuitous as FX prepares to debut its own 10-part O.J. Simpson miniseries.

Not to be outdone, HBO rides into Sundance with “Becoming Mike Nichols,” “Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures” and “Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper.”

Sundance Selects just bought the Anthony Weiner documentary “Weiner,” which is already being talked about in political circles. Meanwhile, “Gleason” is said to be a powerful, emotional look at NFL vet Steve Gleason, who suffers from ALS. Insiders tell TheWrap that Gleason will attend the festival and that Microsoft and GoPro will be lending their marketing support to the movie.

NEXT is Now

This year’s NEXT lineup is one of the most exciting in the history of the program. When TheWrap saw Andre Hyland’s short film “Funnel,” presented by comedy icon Bob Odenkirk at the 2014 festival, we knew he’d be a director to keep an eye on.

Sure enough, Hyland returns this year with “The 4th,” a shaggy yet hilarious day-in-the-life story of a guy trying in vain to prepare for a 4th of July BBQ, featuring the multi-hyphenate’s unique comic sensibility.

Also worth adding to your festival schedule are “The Eyes of My Mother” from Borderline Films, which is described “as a very visual and striking genre piece,” as well as Matt Johnson’s “Operation Avalanche,” for which the filmmaker basically sneaked into NASA.

Odds and Ends

The short film program is often an embarrassment of riches, but if you like your shorts with a shocking punchline, be sure to check out Andrew Laurich’s “A Reasonable Request.”

Elsewhere, the raunchy Indian comedy “Brahman Naman” should stand out in the World Dramatic competition, while across town at Slamdance, “Honey Buddies” and opening night film “Director’s Cut” fly into Utah with early buzz.

Sundance 2016: 15 Hottest Movies Looking for Sales (Photos)

"Southside With You"

Director: Richard Tanne

Cast: Parker Sawyers, Tika Sumpter

Why It’s Hot: Before they moved into the White House, Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson were just two young people going on their first date in Chicago. It’s a fascinating entry point for a movie about the President and First Lady. We know how their story ends, but buyers are very curious how it began. Does Michelle kiss on the first date? We can’t wait to find out…

Why It’s Hot: Between his low budgets and his loyal following, Kevin Smith’s movies are attractive to buyers, especially if Johnny Depp co-stars. “Tusk” was divisive but we loved it and can’t wait for this follow-up, which seems a bit more accessible and commercial than a movie about a human walrus.

Why It’s Hot: This family dramedy finds Krasinski’s character returning home to his small town where his mother is about to undergo surgery. The star-studded ensemble makes the film a high priority for buyers, who are expected to pounce before the credits roll.

Why It’s Hot: Netflix bought worldwide SVOD rights for $7 million, but the film’s theatrical rights are still available. The splashy Netflix deal, rumored to be the biggest pre-festival acquisition in the history of Sundance, suggests that interest will be high among indie distributors who aren’t beholden to output deals.

Why It’s Hot: It’s the opening night film, and surely Sundance wouldn’t program a dud. While Shannon plays Plemons’ dying mother, Kelly is a “Saturday Night Live” writer, so expect a little levity in the proceedings. Plemons has earned no shortage of goodwill thanks to “Fargo,” “Breaking Bad” and “Friday Night Lights.” Perhaps this is the project that makes him a movie star.

Why It’s Hot: Reichardt has earned a loyal following in indie circles thanks to her previous films with Williams -- “Wendy and Lucy” and “Meek’s Cutoff.” Kristen Stewart’s indies have been hit-and-miss at the box office, but she’s still a high-profile actress, so if the film delivers dramatically, buyers will be ready to open their checkbooks.

Why It’s Hot: Lonergan is one of indie cinema’s most-respected filmmakers whose work appeals to prestige distributors. This film was initially set to star Matt Damon before Casey Affleck took over, though Damon is still credited as a producer. “Manchester” was shot by indie darling DP Jody Lee Lipes, who represents another attractive element amid the high-profile package.

Why It’s Hot: This project has been in the works for more than a decade. It’s based on a shocking memoir by Brad Land, who recounted a terrifying assault and his experience pledging his brother's college fraternity. The film explores the issue of hazing and how that brutal annual ritual tests the siblings’ bond. James Franco produced “Goat” with Killer Films and David Gordon Green wrote the script, so expect this one to be a must-see for seasoned buyers who like their indies with an edge.

Why It’s Hot: Rebecca Hall is said to give a devastating performance as Christine Chubbuck, a depressed TV reporter who shot herself live on the air in the 1970s. It’s a fascinating story and Campos’ most accessible movie to date. His other, more challenging films found distribution and they didn’t have the star power “Christine” boasts, so expect some smart buyer to take it off the table quickly if reviews are positive.

BorderLine Films

"Brahman Naman"

Director: Q

Cast: Shashank Arora, Sid Mallya, Denzil Smith, Tanmay Dhanania

Why It’s Hot: The logline alone -- a champion college quizzing team tries to win the all-India finals and lose their virginities -- had us in stitches, and the controversial Indian filmmaker known simply as Q doesn't play it safe. This could end up being this year’s “Napoleon Dynamite” if advance buzz is any indication. Buyers shouldn’t underestimate the audience for a movie like “Brahman Naman,” which is in English but could still lend itself to an American remake.

Why It’s Hot: Sundance is the undisputed king of indie cinema, and director Linklater is among its filmmaking royalty. This documentary examines his impact on the indie world, from making “Slacker” in Texas in the early '90s to directing "Dazed and Confused," "Waking Life” and “Boyhood.” His work has inspired a generation of filmmakers to try their hand at DIY-filmmaking. The Sundance crowd should eat it up.

"The Lovers and the Despot"

Director: Ross Adam and Robert Cannan

Why It’s Hot: This strange-but-true story follows a famous director and actress who are kidnapped by movie-obsessed dictator Kim Jong-il and forced to make films in North Korea, where they get a second chance at love, but only one chance at escape. With a gloriously bizarre premise like that, this documentary promises to be fascinating.

"Under the Gun"

Director: Stephanie Soechtig

Why It’s Hot: Produced by Katie Couric, this doc about gun violence is guaranteed to generate controversy, which might as well be music to buyers’ ears. It gives distributors something to sell. “Under the Gun” examines the aftermath of the Sandy Hook massacre and includes never-before-seen footage from the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado. It’s probably the hottest documentary at Sundance this year, so don’t miss it.

Atlas Films

"Holy Hell"

Director: Will Allen

Why It’s Hot: Sundance played a savvy publicity game with this title, initially keeping Allen’s identity a secret. He eventually came forward to claim responsibility, but his reluctance is understandable. The film takes an inside look at a West Hollywood cult formed by a charismatic teacher in the 1980s that eventually imploded. We don’t know what kind of cult is depicted in the movie, but we’re guessing he didn’t want to get on its bad side.

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TheWrap takes a look at the hot commodities at this festival, from John Krasinski’s “The Hollars” to the documentary “Holy Hell”

Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers, "Southside With You" - Richard Tanne's drama chronicles the epic first date of Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson across Chicago's South Side in the summer of 1989. This could be Sumpter's breakout feature role, and while Sawyers doesn't have a U.S. agent heading into Sundance, expect that to change quickly.

Harley Quinn Smith and Lily-Rose Depp, "Yoga Hosers" - The Colleens from Kevin Smith's "Tusk" are back in the director's follow-up, which finds the two teenage yoga enthusiasts teaming up with a legendary man-hunter to battle an ancient evil presence that threatens their party plans. The daughters of Smith and co-star Johnny Depp stole a couple scenes in "Tusk," but this is their first real opportunity to prove they can hold the screen like their fathers. Depp is already on Hollywood's radar, co-starring opposite Natalie Portman in "Planetarium" and testing for the lead in Paramount's "Looking for Alaska."

Michael Barbieri and Theo Taplitz, "Little Men" - Director Ira Sachs returns to Sundance with this film that rests on the slender shoulders of its teenage stars. The duo play best friends whose bond is tested by their parents' battle over a dress shop lease. Taplitz has done plenty of theater and creates short films in his spare time, while Barbieri is a student at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York. While "Little Men" is his feature film debut, he also appears in Matt Kazman's short film "Killer," which premieres at Sundance.

Lucas Hedges, "Manchester By the Sea" - You probably remember Lucas Hedges as the lead bully in Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom." The son of director Peter Hedges has since appeared in Jason Reitman's "Labor Day," Terry Gilliam's "The Zero Theorem" and "Kill the Messenger," in which he played Jeremy Renner's son. Here, he plays a teen who falls into the care of his uncle (Casey Affleck) when his father dies. Director Kenneth Lonergan has gotten strong performances out of his young leads in "You Can Count on Me" and "Margaret," and Hedges could be his secret weapon in this film.

Morgan Saylor, "White Girl" - Best known as Dana Brody on "Homeland," Saylor takes center stage in "White Girl," as a college student who goes to extremes to get her drug dealer boyfriend out of jail. It's a potentially explosive role for Saylor, so keep an eye on the rising young actress.

Jacob Latimore, "Sleight" - After holding his own opposite veteran co-stars like Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett in "Black Nativity," Latimore graduated to supporting roles in box office hits such as "Ride Along" and "The Maze Runner." Now he's in the Sundance spotlight with "Sleight," playing a young street magician who turns to dealing drugs when he's left to care for his little sister following their mother's death. When his sister gets kidnapped, he must rely on his smarts and sleight of hand to save her. If that doesn't sound like a star-making opportunity, what does?

Emma Greenwell, "Love and Friendship" - The "Shameless" star is about to break out in a big way between her supporting role in this Whit Stillman movie and her upcoming turn in "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." She plays Lady Catherine opposite Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny in this comic riff on an incomplete Jane Austen novella. Greenwell also co-stars in the upcoming Hulu series "The Path" with Aaron Paul and Michelle Monaghan.

Shashank Arora and the cast of "Brahman Naman" - Controversial Indian filmmaker Q has assembled an intriguing cast for his raunchy sex comedy, which showcases Arora's knack for comedic timing. Arora (in yellow shirt) plays a nerdy, hormone-fueled teen who competes for the National Quiz Championships in 1980s India while trying to lose his virginity along the way.

Lily Gladstone, "Certain Women" - This Native American newcomer is said to hold her own opposite her veteran co-star Kristen Stewart as a reclusive young ranch hand in the throes of her first existential crisis who meets Beth (Stewart), a recent law school grad who teaches an adult education class. Gladstone caught the acting bug after watching a "Star Wars" spinoff and quickly became involved in local theater in Montana, where she grew up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. She starred opposite Stewart's "Twilight" co-star Chaske Spencer in "Winter in the Blood" and had a small role in the Benicio del Toro movie "Jimmy P."

Lilith Stangenberg, "Wild" - This up-and-coming German actress plays an young anarchist who chooses a life without hypocrisy or an obligatory safety net. Stangenberg is an unknown entity in the U.S., but seeing as she shares the screen with a wolf, she's guaranteed to have tongues wagging in Park City.

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The festival has made stars out of Ellen Page (“Juno”) and Michael B. Jordan (“Fruitvale Station”). Who will it be this year?